In this edition of Half-Hour, my dear friend and colleague, Niko Lambros Smith, shares what has helped him build genuine connections with individual people and how kindness contributes to stronger teams, especially on large-scale productions. Small gestures matter more than we realize — they create a sense of belonging, strengthen morale, and inspire real commitment to working together.
Defining Our Role as a Stage Manager
In a previous article, Bryan Runion explored the differences between authority, power, and leadership. Those concepts are intertwined, but all ultimately serve leadership. As I entered the field of stage management, I wrestled with those three words. Many young stage managers begin their journey believing the role is about power, especially in high school theater programs where the SM is often second-in-command to the director.
But as I grew, I came to see stage management as a position of service. And like any service role, one trait sets us apart: kindness.
According to the Wikipedia definition of kindness, it is “a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return.” As stage managers and leaders, approaching our work through this lens can elevate morale and soften the colder aspects of entertainment. The collaborators who left the deepest impression on me weren’t the most authoritative — they were the kindest.
Creating a Lasting Impression
Years ago, while working on Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana in Las Vegas, I met someone who embodied this: John Juliano, the Assistant Head of Carpentry. He wasn’t my direct supervisor, yet from the start, he greeted me by name. In a production with over 230 people, that small recognition stood out. He asked about my life outside the show — and remembered the details.
When I later joined Cirque’s Kà at the MGM Grand, I encountered John again, now a Production Manager. He greeted me with warmth, remembered my story, and asked how I’d grown since. It is no surprise that John is now Director of Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. His career was built on skill, yes, but what I’ll always remember is his kindness.
That lesson shaped my own practice. During graduate school at UC San Diego, my first goal was simple: learn everyone’s names and use them as a sign of respect. That small act became transformative, leading to stronger relationships across every department. By adding empathy, curiosity, and genuine investment in others, I saw firsthand how kindness built communication bridges that improved entire productions.
Approaching with Kindness and Earning Authority
The role of the stage manager is debated: are we leaders, artists, rule enforcers? Too often, the stereotype is the no-nonsense taskmaster with little patience for connection. I’ve seen stage managers post cynical slogans like “Actor’s Tears” at their desk, a sign of resistance to empathy. While the responsibilities of the job are heavy, neglecting interpersonal care can erode trust and morale.
Stage managers sit at the hub of communication. We influence the environment more than any other single role. By signaling that we genuinely care, we boost morale, trust, and collaboration. In this way, kindness becomes a superpower.
As Bryan wrote, authority comes in two forms: formal (granted by title) and informal (earned). Stage managers often sit between both. Leading with kindness strengthens informal authority — colleagues trust us, teams communicate more openly, and productions run more smoothly.
The strongest stage management teams I’ve worked with leaned into kindness and empathy. They invested in people, listened, and cared. These traits, often dismissed as soft, are in fact the foundation of strong leadership in live entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- Kindness is not weakness — it is a leadership superpower for stage managers.
- Small acts like learning names and remembering details create deep trust and better collaboration.
- Kindness strengthens informal authority, which drives morale and communication.
- Teams thrive when stage managers lead with empathy, respect, and generosity.
- In high-pressure environments like live entertainment, kindness becomes a practical tool for success.
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Updated August 2025
